Barnholdt says his class recently won the award for "Best Overall Network" in a national news competition sponsored by USEducation TV.

"I was just astonished. We put in so much hard work," said Conti, a Whitney High senior.

The school won the award in a challenge to produce a news program in real time.

"What these kids usually take three weeks to do, we had to do in 16 hours. We had to go out and find stories and put an entire show together," Barnholdt said.

The sponsor of the competition offered praise for the Rocklin school's performance.

"We could have easily awarded Whitney High School with every award! This school truly exemplifies our vision of what the USEducation TV platform can do for schools and communities," read a statement supplied by Barnholdt.

Madison Preston, a senior producer for the newscast, said the money will help to improve the team's technology.

"I was really proud because everyone worked so hard for this," Preston said.